The projection specific logic to sampling imputs by the superior colliculus

Visual stimuli are detected by the retina and sent to a set of brain structures, forming neuronal circuits to trigger visually guided innate behaviors. These behaviors are also subject to an animal's internal state and environmental conditioning. One of the unknown questions is how the sensory inputs from the retina and the non-retinal inputs from other brain regions are distributed in the neuronal circuits that control and regulate different behaviors. To answer this question, I used the mouse superior colliculus as a model. The collicular neurons receive direct retinal input and send projections to other brain nuclei to trigger innate behaviors. It also receives extensive inputs from different brain areas, which potentially may influence behavioral responses. By dissecting these disynaptic circuits that pass through the superior colliculus, I aim to link specific inputs from the retina and other brain areas with corresponding behavioral outputs. This will allow me to uncover the general wiring rules the superior colliculus uses to integrate the direct visual information and modulatory inputs to generate different types of defensive behaviors. More broadly, this work will help to shed light on how our brain integrates sensory information and how this processing can be modulated to trigger specific types of behaviors.

Publication year:2021

Accessibility:Open